Serial numbering machines for spaced cartons



F. C. WORTH SERIAL NUMBERING MACHINES FOR SPACED CARTONS Filed July 22, 1963 Sept. 28, 1965 4 Sheets-Sheet l I NVEN TOR. flRq/vc/s C. M04774 ATTORNEY Sept. 28, 1965 F. c. WORTH 3,208,375

SERIAL NUMBERING MACHINES FOR SPACED CARTONS Filed July 22, 1965 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. f/fzswc/s C. WOKEV Q S N E 2% %MfW7 ATTORNEY Sept. 28, 1965 F. c. WORTH 3,208,375 SERIAL NUMBERING MACHINES FOR SPAGED CARTONS Filed July 22, 1963 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 ll H In 4 5 226 INVENTOR.

fkm/r/s [I lye/z m ATTORNEY F. C. WORTH Sept. 2, W65

SERIAL NUMBERING MACHINES FOR SPAGED CARTONS Filed July 22, 1963 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 M YA? B ATTORNEY United States Patent 3,203,375 SERIAL NUMBERHNG MACHENES FQR SPAUED CARTUNS Francis C. Worth, Ridgewood, N.Y., assignor to Adolph Gottscho, inc, Hillside, N1, a corporation of New York Filed July 22, 1963, Ser. No. 296,635 Claims. (Cl. 101-35) This invention relates generally to machines for applying a series or sequence of numbers to successive cartons, boxes or other articles as the latter are conveyed therepast.

Some machines previously provided for applying a series of numbers to successive conveyed cartons, boxes or other articles have been large and cumbersome, and further require a relatively large distance between the leading ends of the successive conveyed articles. By reason of the foregoing, such existing machines are limited to use in connection with articles having relatively large dimensions in the direction of their movement past the serial numbering machine, or in connection with conveyors having the successive articles relatively widely spaced apart thereon. Further, existing serial numbering machines, if adapted for use in connection with intermittently conveyed articles, have relatively complicated and expensive drive mechanisms for synchronizing the intermittent movement of the successive articles with the operation of the serial numbering machine. Finally, existing serial numbering machines have relatively complicated indexing mechanisms for incrementally increasing the value of the numbers stamped or applied on the successive conveyed articles, and such mechanisms are prone to skipping and sticking, thereby causing inaccuracies in the numerical series applied to the successive articles.

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide a relatively simple, inexpensive and compact machine for applying a series or sequence of numbers to successive cartons, boxes or other articles conveyed therepast.

Another object is to provide a serial numbering machine capable of use in connection with intermittently conveyed articles, and which is constructed and designed to permit marking of articles conveyed with a relatively small distance between the leading ends thereof, thereby increasing the range of dimensions of the articles in the direction of their movement which can be serially numbered.

A further object is to provide a machine of the described character having a relatively simple and reliable indexing mechanism for advancing or increasing the value of the number applied to each of the successive conveyed articles, which mechanism is not susceptible to skipping or sticking.

In accordance with this invention, a serial numbering machine comprises a housing mounted adjacent the path of travel of the conveyed articles to which a series of numbers are to be applied; a die wheel assembly ro tatably mounted on the support and including a series of generally circular die wheel sections having preferably rubber type elements on the periphery of each die wheel section corresponding to the digits 0 to 9, inclusive, and being individually turnable about an axis perpendicular to, and intersecting the axis of rotation of the die wheel assembly as a unit so that the several die wheel sections can be turnably positioned to present selected type elements thereof at exposed operative positions at the periphery of the die wheel assembly for applying a corresponding numerical imprint to an article conveyed therepast, and an indexing mechanism for turning the die wheel sections in response to the rotation of the die wheel assembly as a whole, so that the numerical imprint represented by the type elements at the exposed operative positions has its value increased by a single integer upon each revolution of the die wheel assembly; a drive for the die wheel assembly which is driven from the associated conveyor or the like for tending to rotate the die wheel assembly at a peripheral speed substantially equal to the linear speed at which the successive articles are conveyed therepast and which includes a frictional coupling between the drive and the die wheel assembly to permit the latter to be held at rest while the drive continues to operate; and a latch assembly for holding the die wheel assembly against rotation, and which is actuated in response to the movement of an article past the serial numbering machine, to release the latch assembly and permit a single revolution of the die wheel assembly.

The above, and other objects, features and advantages of the invention, will be apparent in the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment thereof which is to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a serial numbering machine embodying this invention, and shown with the top plate of its housing partly broken away for exposing the components of the machine within the housing;

FIG. 2 is an elevational view of the serial numbering machine as viewed along the line 2-2 on FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged vertical sectional view of the die wheel assembly of the serial numbering machine as viewed along the line 33 on FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a vertical sectional view taken along the line 4-4 on FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a horizontal sectional view taken along the line 5-5 on FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a detail view along the line 6-6 on FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a horizontal sectional view taken along the line 7-7 on FIG. 2, but on an enlarged scale;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary perspective view, partly broken away and in section, and showing the means provided for returning the die wheel sections to their zero indication; and

FIG. 9 is a wiring diagram of an electric circuit included in the serial numbering machine.

Referring to the drawings in detail, and initially to FIGS. 1 and 2 thereof, it will be seen that a serial numbering machine embodying the present invention, and there generally identified by the reference numeral 10 comprises, as its major components, a housing 12 mounted on a support 14 at one side of the path of travel along which the successive cartons, boxes or other articles to be numbered are moved, for example, on a conveyor or other transporting device indicated in broken lines at C on FIG. 1; a die wheel assembly 16 rotatably mounted within the housing 12 for rolling and marking contact with each of the successive conveyed articles; an inking unit 18 also rotatably mounted within housing 12 for applying ink to type elements of the die wheel assembly so that the latter applies inked numerical imprints to the successive articles; a drive assembly 20 for rotating the die wheel assembly 16 in synchronism with the movement of the successive articles by the conveyor C; and a latch assembly 22 permitting only a single revolution of the die wheel assembly 16 during the movement of each article therepast.

The housing 12 of serial numbering machine 10 includes top and base plates 24 and 26, respectively, which are elongated and formed with rounded ends, and posts 28 which extend vertically between the plates 24 and 26 and are secured to the latter by means of screws 30 (appearing in broken lines on FIG. 2), thereby to hold the plates 24 and 26 in vertically spaced apart, parallel relationship. Housing 12 further includes an elongated sheet metal side wall or cover 32 which is bent to follow the peripheral contours of plates 24 and 26 and has its 3 top and bottom longitudinal edges suitably secured in rabbets 34 formed in the peripheries of the top and base plates. The ends of side wall 32 are spaced apart to define a gap or opening 36 (FIG. 1) therebetween adjacent one end of the housing and which faces toward the path of travel of the conveyed articles.

The support 14 includes a vertical post 38 on which bearings secured in the top and base plates 24 and 26 adjacent the end of housing 12 remote from opening 36 are turnably mounted, and a collar 43 which is secured on the post 38 and engages under the bearing 40 of base plate 26 for vertically positioning the housing on the post. Further, the post 38 is slidable through a vertical bore formed in a base 44 which is fixedly secured, for example, to the frame of the conveyor C. Set screws 4% (FIG. 2) are provided in the base 44 for engagement with the post 38 to hold the latter in a desired vertically adjusted position, thereby to establish the vertical position of housing 42 relative to the path of the conveyed articles.

An arm 48 is formed with a split clamp 50 at one end which is adjustably positioned on post 38 adjacent the underside of top plate 24, and a tension spring 52 is connected, at its opposite ends, to an anchor pin 54 depending from top plate 24 and to the free end of arm 48, re spectively, thereby to urge housing 12 to turn about post 38 in the direction moving the opening 36 of the housing toward the path of travel of the article on the conveyor C. A stop pin 56 depends from top plate 24 and is engageable with the arm 48 to limit the turning of the housing 12 under the urging of spring 52. Thus, spring 52 tends to maintain the housing 12 in the position where stop pin 56 engages arm 48, and that normal position of housing 12 can be adjusted relative to the path of the conveyed articles by angularly adjusting arm 43 about post 38 following loosening of the split clamp 50.

The die wheel assembly 16 includes a circular plate 53 at the bottom thereof provided with a central, depending axle 60 which is rotatably mounted in a bearing 62 carried by base plate 26 of housing 12 adjacent the end of the latter having the opening 36. Flat posts or side frame members 64 extend upwardly from plate 58 at diametrically opposed locations and are secured to the plate by means of screws 66 (FIG. 5). A cross head 68 extends diametrically across the top of die wheel assembly 16 and is secured, as by screws 70 (FIGS. 1 and 3), to the upper ends of frames 64.

Generally cylindrical upper and lower shells '72 and 74 respectively, combine to form a hollow cylindrical body of the die wheel assembly 16 and are secured to the opposed frame members 64 by means of screws 76 and 78 (FIG. 3). The upper and lower shells '72 and 74 are formed with mating, diametrically opposed cutouts to define diametrically opposed, circumferentially elongated openings 80 and 82 approximately midway between the upper and lower ends of the hollow cylindrical body (FIG. 4). The openings 80 and $2 are formed in the portions of shells '72 and "74 extending circumferentially between the side frame members 64, and such portions of the shells '72 and 74 have inclined or tapering inner wall surfaces, as at 84 and 86, so that thin edges extend around the openings 80 and 82.

The side frame members 64 carry aligned bearings 38 (FIG. 3) rotatably receiving trunnions extending from the opposite ends of a shaft 92. The shells 72 and 74 are further formed with mating, semi-circular cutouts which cooperate to define openings 94 (FIGS. 2 and 3) registering with bearings 88.

Die wheel sections 96a-96f are arranged in an axial series and rotatably mounted on shaft 92. The die wheel sections 96(1-96 generally have the configuration of segments of a sphere concentric with the axes of shaft 92 and axle 60, which segments are defined by parallel planes of separation perpendicular to the axis of shaft 92. Each of the die wheel sections 96a96f has a central hub 98 (FIGS. 3 and 4), an annular flange 100 projecting axially from one side of the die wheel section at a location that is radially outward from the hub 98 considered with respect to the axis of rotation of the die wheel section about shaft 92, and having a gap or opening 102, and ten circumferentially spaced apart peripheral lands 104 to which rubber type elements 1% are .adhesively secured. The ten type elements 1% on each of the die wheel sections correspond to the digits 0 to 9, inclusive, and, by individually turning the die wheel sections 96a -96f on shaft 92, selected type elements 106 thereof may be disposed at operative positions to project through the opening 80 of the body of the die wheel assembly. Where the die wheel assembly 16 includes six die wheel sections 96a- 96 as shown, it will be apparent that the number represented by the type elements exposed at the opening 80 may range from 000000 to 999999, but it is to be understood that the range of numbers to be applied can be varied by either increasing or decreasing the number of die wheel sections.

In order to permit the initial positioning of the several die wheel sections, or the return of the latter to the positions in which the type elements bearing the numeral 0 are all exposed at the opening 80, each of the die wheel sections 96a96f has its hub 98 formed witha radial slot 10% (FIGS. 3, 4 and 8) opening inwardly at the surface of the shaft 92 and slidably receiving a key 119 which is urged radially inward by a spring 112. Further, shaft 92 has a longitudinal cutout defining a radial shoulder 114 extending along the length of the shaft and facing in the direction of the normal turning movements of the die wheel sections effected, as hereinafter described in detail, for the purpose of changing the number represented by the type elements exposed at the opening 30. Thus, during the normal turning movements of the die wheel sections, in the counter-clockwise direction as viewed on FIG. 4, the several keys 110 merely ride over the shoulder 114 of shaft 92. However, when it is desired to return the several die wheel sections to their initial positions, shaft 92 is turned in the direction of the normal turning movements of the die wheel sections, that is, in the counter-clockwise direction, as viewed on FIG. 4, whereby the radial shoulder 114 of shaft 92 engages the keys 110 to bring the several die wheel sections into axial registration, and turning of shaft 92 is continued until the 0 type elements 106 of the several die wheel sections are exposed at the opening 80.

As shown on FIGS. 3 and 8, in order to permit the above described rotation of shaft 92, the trunnion 90 at one end thereof is formed with an axial bore 116 and a pin 118 extends diametrically across this bore. A removable crank 12@ (FIG. 8) includes a hollow, tubular shaft 122 adapted to extend into bore 116 through the adjacent opening 94 and having diametrically opposed claws 124 formed at one end for gripping engagement with the pin 118, While a handle 126 extends from the opposite end of shaft 122 to permit manual rotation of the latter after clutching engagement of the claws 124 with the pin 118.

In order to releasably hold the several die wheel sections 96a-96f in positions where type elements 106 thereof are in accurate alignment and centered with respect to the opening 80, each of the die wheel sections further includes ten circumferentially spaced apart, axially directed pins 128 (FIGS. 3 and 4) extending over the outer surface of flange 100 from suitable bores formed in the body of the related die wheel section. Resilient spring arms 130a130f are provided for the die wheel sections 96a-96f, respectively, and are arranged parallel to each other in the planes of rotation of the related flanges 100. The spring arms 130(2-130 are clamped, at one end, in slots or grooves formed in the confronting surfaces of bars 132 and 134 extending diametrically across plate 53. The ends of bars 132 and 134 are clamped in notches 136 (FIG. 3) provided at the lower ends of side frame members 64 so that bars 132 and 134 extend paralv.9 lel to the axis of shaft 12. The free end of each of the spring arms 13tla13tlf bears resiliently against the flange 100 of the related die wheel section and is formed with a substantially V-shaped notch 138 (FIG. 4) which receives a pin 128 whenever a type element 106 of the related die wheel section is centered in the opening 81 thereby to yieldably resist inadvertent turning of the die wheel section from that position.

In order to effect the controlled actuation or desired sequence of turning movements of the die wheel sections 9611-96 so that the type elements 106 thereof will be elfective to apply a series or sequence of numbers to the successive cartons or articles, the die wheel assembly 16 further comprises an indexing mechanism 140. The in dexing mechanism 140 includes generally upwardly directed arms 142 rockably mounted on trunnions 90 of shaft 92 between the end die wheel sections 96a and 96; and the adjacent side frame members 64. A shaft 144 (FIG. 4) extends between the upper or free ends of arms 1 .2 and a series of indexing fingers or pawls 146a- 146f are rocka-bly mounted on the shaft 144 with spacers 148 being interposed therebetween so that the fingers 14661-1461 are rockable in the planes of rotation of the flanges 100 of the related die wheel sections 9612-96 as is apparent on FIG. 3. The several indexing fingers are joined together for simultaneous rocking movements about shaft 144 by means of a pin 15a (FIG. 4) extending through the spacers 148 and through the fingers 146a- 146 A torsion spring 152 (FIG. 3) is connected to one of the indexing fingers, for example, the finger 146a, and to the adjacent rockable arm 142 so as to yieldably urge the several indexing fingers to rock about shaft 144 in the direction moving the free ends or noses 154a-154f downwardly against the flanges 1% of the related die wheel sections. As shown on FIG. 4, the noses 154a 154 are of progressively decreasing depth so that, when the nose 154:: of finger 146a rides on the flange 100 of die wheel section 96a, and hence is engageable with the pins 128 of die wheel section 96a, the noses of the remaining fingers 14615-1461 are spaced from, or held out of engagement with the pins 128 of the related die wheel sections 965-96 It will be noted that the gap 1112 of flange 100 of each of the die wheel sections is disposed to receive the nose 154a-154f of the related indexing finger or pawl when the die wheel section is disposed to present the type element 106 representing the numeral 9 at the opening 80. Thus, assuming that the operation of the serial numbering machine 10 commences with all of the die wheel sections positioned to present the type elements representing the numerals at opening 80, then each rocking movement of the arms 142 in the counter-clockwise direction, as viewed on FIG. 4, will cause angular displacement of die wheel section 96a through an angle of 36 by reason of the engagement of the nose 154a with the pins 128, while the remaining die wheel sections 96b-96f will remain at rest. During the return rocking movement of arms 142 in the clockwise direction, the nose 154a will skip or ride over the pins 128 in its path by reason of the inclined back surface of the nose. After die wheel section 96a has been turned through a total angle of 324, that is, when the type element thereof representing the numeral 9 is disposed or presented at the opening E5113, gap 102 of flange 1% of that die wheel section will be positioned to receive the nose 154a, so that the assembly of indexing fingers 146(1-146 can be rocked further to engage nose 15411 with flange 1110 of the related die wheel section 9612. During the next rocking movement of arms 142 in the clockwise direction, die wheel sections 96a and 9612 are both moved through an angle of 36, whereby the type elements of die wheel sections 96a and 9612 exposed at opening 80 represent the numeral 10. From the foregoing, it is apparent that the indexing mechanism 140 is eifective to turn each of the die wheel sections 96a,

6 96b, 96c, 96d and 96@ through ten revolutions for each complete revolutions of the adjacent die wheel sections 96b, 96c, 96d, 96c and 96 respectively.

In order to etfect the above mentioned rocking movements of the arms 142 of indexing mechanism 144 die Wheel assembly 16 further includes an indexing trip mechanism 156 (FIGS. 1, 4 and 6). The trip mechanism 156 includes an adjusting knob 158 turnable in an opening in top plate 24 and having arcuate slots 160 receiving screws 162 engaged in tapped holes in top plate 24 for releasably holding knob 153 against rotation. A stub shaft 164 is keyed in knob 158 for turning with the latter and extends below top plate 24 through a bearing 166 carried by cross head 68 of die wheel assembly 16. Thus, stub shaft 164 provides a rotational mounting for the upper end of the die wheel assembly in the housing or frame 12. Secured to the lower end of stub shaft 164 below cross head 68 is a radially directed arm 168 which, near its free end, carries a bearing 170, on which a disk 172 is rotatably mounted. An eccentric pin 174 depends from disk 172 to a point below the spacers 148 and fingers 14611-1467 mounted on shaft 144 so as to be engageable thereby. Pins 176 (shown in broken lines on FIG. 4) extend radially from the lower end portions of arms 142 substantially at right angles to the latter, and tension springs 178 are connected between the free ends of pins 176 and anchors 180 which project from the adjacent side frame member 64 near the lower ends of the latter. Thus, the springs 178 yieldably urge the arms 142 to rock in the clockwise direction, as viewed on FIG. 4, thereby to engage the fingers 146a-146f and spacers 148 on shaft 144 against pin 174 of the indexing trip mechanism.

When die Wheel assembly 16 is turned about its vertical axis of rotation defined by the stub shafts 6t and 164, the engagement of pin 174 of the trip mechanism 156 with the indexing mechanism 140 is effective to cause rocking of the arms 142 through an angle of 36 from the position shown on FIG. 4- and, at the conclusion of a single complete revolution, the parts of the indexing mechanism and the trip mechanism are returned to their relative positions shown on FIG. 4. Thus the indexing mechanism 140 is actuated once during each revolution of the die wheel assembly and. correspondingly increases the value of the number represented by the type elements 106 presented at the opening 86 of the die wheel assembly, The period or part of each revolution during which the indexing mechanism 141 is actuated may be varied by loosening the screws 162 and turning the knob 158, and hence the arm 168, relative to plate 24, whereupon the screws 162 are retightened. Such adjustment is effected in order to ensure that indexing movement of the die Wheel sections 96a-96f does not occur during marking contact thereof with the conveyed carton or article.

The inking assembly 18 includes an inking roller 182 having an absorbent or ink permeable surface to which ink is fed from an internal reservoir for transfer to the raised surfaces of the type elements 1116 of the die wheel sections exposed at the opening 80 upon rolling contact of such type elements with the peripheral surface of the inking roll during each revolution of die wheel assembly 16. The inking roller 182 is rotatably mounted, along with an underlying disk 184 of the same diameter (FIG. 2), on .a vertical spindle or axle 186 carried by one end of an arm 188 having its opposite end clamped on a sleeve 1%. Sleeve 191) is turnable on a post 192 projecting vertically upward from base plate 26 (FIG. 1), and a torsion spring 194 (FIG. 2) is connected between sleeve 1% and an angularly adjustable collar 196 (FIG. 1) secured on post 192 for the purpose of angularly urging sleeve 1% and arm 188 in the counterclockwise direc tion, as viewed on FIG. 1, that is, in the direction urging inking roll 182 into peripheral contact with the type elements of die wheel assembly 16.

In order to ensure that inking roll 182 only engages,

and transfers ink to the raised surfaces of the type elements 1116 exposed at opening 80, and not to the remaining circumference of shells 72 and 74 or the type ele ments exposed at the opening 82, the outer surfaces of the shells 72 and 74 between the diametrically opposed open ings 8b and 82 are radially recessed, as at 1% (FIG. 2). Thus, when the recessed surfaces 198 face toward inking roller 182, the rolling engagement of disk 184 with the surface of shell '74 below the recess 1% holds the inking roll out of contact with the surface of such recess. Further, arcuate cam plates Ztitl (FlGS. 2 and 4) are socured, as by screws 262, to shells '72 and 74 above and below opening 82 so that, when opening 82 faces toward inking roll 182, the lower cam plate 2% is in rolling engagement with disk 184 to move the inking roll out of engagement with the type elements exposed at the opening 82. The disk 184, by reason of its rolling contact with shell 74 of the die wheel assembly, further serves to rotatably drive the inking roll from the die wheel assembly. In order to facilitate replacement or refilling of inking roll 182, side wall or cover 32 of housing 12 is formed with an access opening 204 (FIG. 2) adjacent the inking roll, and such access opening is normally closed by a pivotally mounted door 206 (FIG. 1).

In accordance with the present invention, the drive of the serial numbering machine 10 is effective to cause a single revolution of the die wheel assembly 16 during the movement of each conveyed article therepast on the conveyor C. In order to etfect such rotation of die wheel assembly 16, the drive mechanism 2d includes a drive shaft 2118 rotatably driven from the conveyor C or other associated device transporting the successive articles, and which extends through cover 32 of housing 12 and, at its inner end, carries a bevel gear 216*. The gear 211? meshes with a bevel gear 212 which is freely rotatable on post 38 and is secured to, or formed integral with a coaxial sprocket 214 disposed immediately above base plate 26 (FIG. 2). A chain 216 runs around sprocket 214 and around a sprocket 218 (FIGS. 2, 3 and 4) which is freely rotatable on the stub shaft 62 at the bottom of die wheel assembly 16. An idler sprocket 221) (FIG. 1) is adjustably carried by an arm 222 supported by a post 224 extending upwardly from base plate 26 and engages chain 216 between sprockets 214 and 218 for the purpose of maintaining a suitable tension in the chain. A circular driving disk or plate 226 (FIGS. 3 and 4) is secured to sprocket 218 above the latter and underlies plate 56 at the bottom of the die wheel assembly. As shown on FIG. 5, disks 228 of cork or other frictional material are adhesively secured to the underside of plate 53 so that the weight of the die wheel assembly 16 causes the disks 228 to bear against the upper surface of plate 226 and provide a frictional coupling between the latter and the bottom plate 58 of the die wheel assembly.

When drive shaft 2198 is rotated in synchronism with the movement of successive articles by the conveyor C, the frictional coupling forming part of the drive 261 and constituted by the plate 58 with its friction disks 228 engaging the driven plate 226, tends to rotate the drive wheel assembly 16 at a peripheral speed substantially equal to the linear speed of movement of the successive articles past the serial numbering machine. However, since the number applied by die wheel assembly 16 to a passing surface is increased during each revolution of the die wheel assembly by actuation of indexing mechanism 140 as described above, and since the surface of each article engaged by the die wheel assembly may have a dimension, in its direction of movement, substantially greater than the circumference of the die wheel assembly, it is necessary that only a single revolution of the die wheel assembly be permitted during the passage of each carton or article irrespective of the dimensions of the latter. Accordingly, the latch assembly 22 of the serial numbering machine 11) includes a latch member 239 (F163. 1 and 7) pivotally mounted at one end, as at 232, on a post projecting upwardly from base plate 26 adjacent the periphery of die wheel assembly 16. Latch member 230 has a cutout 234 in the side thereof facing toward the die wheel assembly to define a shoulder or nose 236 which faces in the direction generally opposed to the normal rotation of the die wheel assembly. A stop ring 232 is secured, as by screws 249 (FIGS. 3, 4 and 7) on the lower end of shell 74 and has an outer surface portion of progressively decreasing radius, as at 242, to define a radial shoulder or keeper 244 facing in the direction of normal rotation of the die wheel assembly (FIG. 7). Thus, when latch member 230 is in its normal or engaged position shown in broken lines at 230 on FIG. 7, shoulder 244 of stop ring 238 is engageable with shoulder 236 of the latch member to prevent rotation of the die wheel assembly even through the plate 226 of drive 20 continues to rotate, in which case the friction disks 22$ slide on plate 226. The stop ring 238 is rotationally adjusted on shell 74 so that engagement of shoulder 244 with shoulder 236 occurs with the openings 89 and 82 of the die wheel body facing away from the path of travel of the articles on conveyor C.

In order to move latch member 236 to its released position shown in full lines on FIG. 7, in which position shoulder 236 is removed from the path of travel of shoulder 244 thereby freeing die wheel assembly 16 for rotation by drive 251, the free end of latch member 231) is pivotally connected, as at 246, with a link which is in turn pivotally connected at 25% with the armature 252 of a solenoid 254. A spring 256 acts on the armature 252 to urge the latter to its extended position and therby move latch member 232 to its operative or engaged position. However, energization of the coil of solenoid 254 is effective to retract the armature 252 and thereby move latch member 2311 to its released position.

As shown on FIG. 9, the circuit for energizing the solenoid 252 includes a source 258 of electric current and article actuated switches 261i and 262 interposed, in series, between the source 258 and the solenoid 254. The switch 2641 is normally open, while the switch 262 is normally closed and, as shown on FIG. 1, the switches 266 and 262 are arranged successively along the path of travel of the articles on conveyor C and have actuating fingers 264 and 266, respectively, projecting into the path of travel of the articles for actuation by the latter. Thus, as a conveyed article passes the die wheel assembly 16 of machine 11 the leading end of the article initially engages finger 264 of switch 2611, thereby closing the contacts of the latter and completing the energizing circuit of the solenoid 254 to release latch member 2311 and permit rotation of the die wheel assembly by drive 261. Immediately after the release of latch member 2311 the leading end of the conveyed article engages finger 266 of switch 262, thereby to open the contacts of the latter and once again interrupt the energizing circuit of solenoid 254 so that spring 256 is again effective to urge latch member 230 toward its engaged or operative position 234). Accordingly, upon the completion of a single revolution of the die wheel assembly 16, shoulder 244 of stop member 238 again engages the shoulder or nose 236 of latch member 236 to prevent further rotation of the die wheel assembly. Thus, irrespective of the length of each article in the direction of its movement, the die wheel assembly can effect only a single revolution for applying an inked number to the surface of the conveyed article with which the die wheel assembly is in rolling contact. During such single revolution of the die wheel assembly, indexing mechanism is actuated by trip mechanism 156 to increase the valve of the number represented by the type elements 1% exposed at the opening 86 so that a series of inked numbers are applied to the successive conveyed articles. It will be noted that only the type elements exposed at the opening 81) of the die wheel assembly are capable of marking contact with the surfaces of the successive conveyed articles, and that the type elements exposed at the opening 82 are held out of contact with the conveyed articles by the arcuate cam plates 200 attached to shells 72 and 74 above and below opening 82.

Although drive 20 is operative to rotate the die wheel assembly 16 at a peripheral speed substantially equal to the linear speed of travel of the successive articles on conveyor C, the die wheel assembly 16 is further provided with upper and lower bearer rings 268 and 270 mounted on reduced diameter upper and lower portions of the shells 72 and 74, respectively. Each of the bearer rings 268 and 270 includes a metal inner ring 272 having an outer ring or layer 274 of rubber adhesively bonded to the outer peripheral surface thereof and laminae 276 of cork or other frictional material adhesively bonded to the top and bottom radial surfaces of inner ring 272 (FIG. 4). The lower bearer ring 270 is clamped axially between the stop ring 238 and a downwardly facing radial shoulder 278 of shell 74, while upper bearer ring 268 is clamped axially between a radial shoulder 280 of shell 72 and a clamping ring 282 secured on shell 72, as by screws 234 (FIG. 4).

It will be apparent that, as a conveyed article passes die wheel assembly 116, the rubber outer layers 274 of bearer ring 268 and 270 are frictionally engaged by the article and, by reason of the frictional or cork layers 276, tend to effect rotation of the die wheel assembly at a peripheral speed exactly equal to the linear speed of the conveyed article. Thus, when latch member 23% is released, as described above, drive quickly brings the peripheral speed of the die wheel assembly up to approximately the linear speed of the conveyed article and the bearer rings 268 and 270 provide the final compensation for avoiding any blurring of the inked number applied to the article.

While the die wheel assembly 16 is described as being driven from the conveyor or other associated device transporting the successive articles, it is to be understood that the drive 20 for the die wheel assembly may be driven from a source independent of the conveyor. For example, the shaft 208 of drive 20 may be suitably connected to a variable speed motor (not shown) which is adjusted to provide a peripheral speed, at the die wheel assembly 16, that approximates the speed of movement of the articles on conveyor C. The possibility of driving the die wheel assembly from a source independent of the conveyor arises from the fact that the slip clutch constituted by frictional disks 228 and plate 226 permits such independent drive source to operate continuously even though the die wheel assembly is only intermittently rotated or the articles are only intermittently advanced by the conveyor. Further, the slip clutch permits the bearer rings 268 and 270 to adjust the peripheral speed of the die wheel assembly to correspond to the exact linear speed ofthe conveyed articles during each marking operation, thereby compensating for any discrepancy between the speed of the conveyed article and the speed at which the independent drive source tends to rotate the die wheel assembly.

It is also to be noted that the described serial numbering machine prints numbers on each of the successive conveyed article consisting of a plurality of digits arranged parallel to the direction of travel of the article so that such numbers can be easily read with the articles in their normal orientation on the conveyor. The foregoing disposition of the printed numbers results from the fact that the several die wheel sections 96a-96f are turnable about an axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the die wheel assembly 16, and thus have their operative type elements extending circumferentially with respect to the die wheel assembly.

Although an illustrative embodiment of the invention has been described in detail herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to that precise embodiment, and that various changes and modifications may be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention, except as defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In a machine for the serial numbering of successive articles conveyed therepa-st, a die wheel assembly comprising a hollow cylindrical body having diametrically opposed circumferentially elongated openings, support means mounting said cylindrical body for rotation about its axis and being yieldably urged towards the path of the successive conveyed articles for rolling contact of the die wheel assembly with the successive articles, a diametrically extending shaft rotatably mounted in said hollow body and intersecting said axis of rotation of the latter, an axially arranged series of die wheel members individually turnable on said shaft in one direction, said die wheel members being formed as parallel plane sections of a sphere concentric with the intersection of the axes of said body and shaft and having a diameter greater than said hollow body so that the peripheries of said die wheel members project through said openings, circumferentially spaced apart, digit-representing type elements on the periphery of each of said die wheel members for selective exposure at said openings, indexing means in said body operative to turn said die wheel members in sequence for serially advancing the value of the number represented by said type elements exposed at one of said openings for marking each conveyed article during rolling contact with the latter, tripping means actuating said indexing means upon each revolution of said body about its axis, and cam means on said body over the angular extent of the other of said openings to space the peripheries of the die wheel members from each conveyed article when said other opening faces toward the latter.

2. In a machine for the serial numbering of successive articles conveyed therepast, a die wheel assembly as in claim 1;

wherein said shaft has a radial shoulder extending therealong and facing in the direction of the sequential turning movement of said die wheel members by said indexing means; and

wherein each of said die wheel members further has a radially slidable key spring urged against the sur face of said shaft so that rotation of said shaft brings said shoulder of the latter against the keys of the die wheel members for returning the latter to initial positions with respect to said opening of the body.

3. In a machine for the serial numbering of successive articles conveyed therepast, a die wheel assembly as in claim 1;

wherein each of said die Wheel members includes an annular flange disposed at one side thereof and having a gap therein, and a circumferentially spaced apart series of pins overlying said flange; and wherein said indexing means includes a series of pawls having stepped noses urged toward said flanges of the respective die wheel members for engagement with said pins of the latter, and support means for said pawls rockable on said shaft so that said pawls cause the sequential turning of said die wheel members in response to rocking of said support means.

4. In a machine for the serial numbering of successive articles conveyed therepast, a die wheel assembly as in claim 3;

wherein said support means for the pawls includes arms rockable on said shaft and rod means extending between said arms parallel to said shaft and carrying said pawls; and

wherein said tripping means includes a normally stationary arm disposed in one end portion of said body and adjustable angularly about the axis of said body, and a pin suspended from said angular-1y adjustable arm and spaced radially from said axis of the body, saidpin projecting into the path of movement of said rod means resulting from rotation of 1 1 the latter with said body, thereby to rock said support means.

5. In a machine for the serial numbering of successive articles conveyed therepast, a die Wheel assembly as in claim 1; in combination with an inking roll mounted on said support means adjacent said die wheel assembly and being yieldably urged toward said body for transferring ink to said type elements exposed at said one opening, and a disk rotatable with said inking roll and engageable with said cam means to hold said inking roll out of engagement With the type elements exposed at said other opening of the body.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS EUGENE R. CAPOZIO, Primary Examiner. 

1. IN A MACHINE FOR THE SERIAL NUMBERING OF SUCCESSIVE ARTICLES CONVEYED THEREPAST, A DIE WHEEL ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A HOLLOW CYLINDRICAL ELONGATED OPENINGS, SUPPORT OPPOSED CIRCUMFERENTIALLY ELONGATED OPENINGS, SUPPORT MEANS MOUNTING SAID CYLINDRICAL BODY FOR ROTATION ABOUT ITS AXIS AND BEING YIELDABLY URGED TOWARDS THE PATH OF THE SUCCESSIVE CONVEYED ARTICLES FOR ROLLING CONTACT OF THE DIE WHEEL ASSEMBLY WITH THE SUCCESSIVE ARTICLES, A DIAMETRICALLY EXTENDING WITH THE SUCCESSIVE ARTICLES, A HOLLOW BODY AND INTERSECTING SAID AXIS OF ROTATION OF THE LATTER, AN AXIALLY ARRANGED SERIES OF DIE WHEEL MEMBEWRS INDIVIDUALLY TURNABLE ON SAID SHAFT IN ONE DIRECTION, SAID DIE WHEEL MEMBERS BEING FORMED AS PARALLEL PLANE SECTIONS OF A SPHERE CONCENTRICWITH THE INTERSECTION OFTHE AXES OF SAID BODY AND SHAFT AND HAVINGA DIAMETER GREATER THAN SAID HOLLOW BODY SO THAT THE PERIPHERIES OF SAID DIE WHEEL MEMBERS PROJECT THROUGH SAID OPENINGS, CIRCUMFERENTIALLY SPACED APART, DIGIT-REPRESENTING TYPE ELEMENTS ON THE PERIPHERY OFEACH OF SAID DIE WHEEL MEMBERS FOR SELECTIVE EXPOSURE AT SAID OPENINGS, INDEXING MEANS IN SAID BODY OPERATIVE TO TURN SAID DIE WHEEL MEMBERS IN SEQUENCE FOR SERIALLY ADVANCING THE VALUE OF THE NUMBER OF REPRESENTED BY SAID TYPE ELEMENTS EXPOSED AT ONE OF SAID OPENINGS FOR MARKING EACH CONVEYED ARTICLE DURING ROLLING CONTACT WITH THE LATTER, TRIPPING MEANS ACTUATING SAID INDEXING MEANS UPON EACH REVOLUTION OF SAID BODY ABOUT ITS AXIS, AND CAM MEANS ON SAID BODY OVER THE ANGULAR EXTENT OF THE OTHER OF SAID OPENINGS TO SPACE THE PERIPHERIES OF THE DIE WHEEL MEMBERS FROM EACH CONVEYED ARTICLE WHEN SAID OTHER OPEING FACES TOWARD THE LATTER. 